Outlook 2017 quality of life

OUTLOOK

2017 tulsaworld.com/outlook2017

SPECIAL SECTION | SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2017

Land of plenty From world-class museums to spectacular parks and casinos rivaling Vegas, the Tulsa area has lots to ofer

BARTLESVILLE

BIXBY

BROKEN ARROW

CATOOSA

CLAREMORE

GLENPOOL

JENKS

OWASSO

SAND SPRINGS

SAPULPA

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OUTLOOK 2017

Visitors look at paintings at Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa. A recent Vision vote will enable the museum to add more exhibit space, a cafe, a new entryway and a parking garage. TULSA WORLD FILE

Tulsa has lots to offer Tulsa has all the amenities of a big city, and more on the way, with a small-town feel

By Rita Sherrow Tulsa World

t’s where we live, play, learn and rear our families.

This burgeoning city has everything at your ingertips from nightlife to the arts to the hottest concerts to quiet treelined streets and big city bustle combined with a revitalized downtown area and the friendliest people. It’s cosmopolitan but with a small-town feel.

And, you can do it all here and here’s why:

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its summit.

The park system also includes, among others, Mohawk Park (home of the Tulsa Zoo), dog parks Joe Station and Biscuit Acres plus community centers, aquatics, specialty centers, picnic shelters and sports facilities.

Casinos

From the Tulsa Ballet to BOK Center, 10 must-see Tulsa attractions ...................................... 4-5 Enhance your quality of life at the library..................................................14 Philbrook helping to reshape role of museums ...........................................16

Population: 403,505, 2nd most populous city in state * Population change since 2010: +3.0 percent * Median household income: $42,284 ** Median home price (owneroccupied): $124,100 ** Unemployment rate: 7.1% ** Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Try your luck at any one of the Tulsa area’s casinos and resorts.

But, if gambling isn’t your thing, there is so much more available — top entertainment acts, ine dining, lots of nightlife.

The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Catoosa will rock this spring with performances

by Sugar Ray, KISS and more and the site features iconic music memorabilia. Coming soon is Parks a new workout facility, spa and resort-style pool.

Tulsa has more than 8,200 It’s ive o’clock somewhere acres of park land and 140 at River Spirit Casino Resort. parks, ofering a wide variety Jimmy Bufett’s Margaritaville of programs, opportunities and amenities for all ages, including Casino and restaurant with live music, two bars and private dina world-class trail system, rowing. New is the 13,000-squareing, kayaking and boating. foot Ruth’s Chris Steak House Tulsa River Parks has 800 with decor relecting Tulsa’s acres of land along miles of roots in the oil industry, Green the Arkansas River with a trail system that winds through open Country and art deco architectural inluences. spaces and picnic areas, past And, the Osage Event Center incredible bronze sculptures and beautiful trees and wildlowers. at Million Dollar Elm Casino ofers national headliners, local The River West Festival Park legends and sporting events. has an amphitheater and Zink Dam and Lake is popular with ishermen and rowers. There are The arts rugged hiking and equestrian trails available at the Turkey If you are a supporter of the Mountain Wilderness Area and a arts you need look no further panoramic view of the city from than Tulsa’s irst-class museums.

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About Tulsa

* July 1, 2015 Population Estimates ** 2011-2015 American Community Survey 5-year estimates

Contact information: Tulsa Convention & Visitors Bureau, 1 W. Third St., suite 100, 800-5583311, www.visittulsa.com; City of Tulsa, phone 311 (in Tulsa), outside Tulsa 918-596-2100, www. cityoftulsa.org; Tulsa Regional Chamber, 1 W 3rd St., 918-5851201, www.tulsachamber.com

You can explore art, history and culture at Gilcrease Museum and Philbrook Museum of Art. Gilcrease has the world’s largest and most comprehensive collection of art and artifacts of the American West. Philbrook, once home of oilman Waite Phillips, is one of only ive museums in the United States with a combination of historical home, art collections and gardens.

But there is also the Woody Guthrie Center (a must for music lovers), Tulsa Air & Space Museum, The Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art, Discovery Lab at the Tulsa Children’s Museum and, coming in 2019, the Oklahoma Museum of Popular Culture which will feature

COVER PHOTO BY JAMES GIBBARD/Tulsa World TCC builds bridges of cooperation, collaboration ............18 A spirit of inclusiveness is good for business ........................19 Brookside real estate market surging............................................... 24

COMMUNITIES Bartlesville, Bixby............................ 22 Broken Arrow................................... 23 Catoosa ............................................. 24 Claremore, Glenpool...................... 25 Jenks, Owasso ................................. 26 Sand Springs, Sapulpa ................... 27

the personal collection of Hall of Famer Leon Russell.

Performing arts are also readily available. The best of Broadway touring shows play the Tulsa Performing Arts Center.

Visitors and residents alike also enjoy Tulsa Ballet, Tulsa Opera, Tulsa Symphony, Signature Symphony and Chamber Music Tulsa as well as Theatre Tulsa and American Theatre Company.

Music Tulsa’s BOK Center, named 2016 Arena of the Year by Los Angeles-based Pollstar, is home to everything from major sporting events of all types to the hottest concerts to conventions, NBA preseason games and even Winterfest with Oklahoma’s tallest Christmas tree and an ice skating rink larger than one at Rockefeller Center. You also don’t want to miss the Rock ‘n Rib Festival, Wingapalooza, Dodgebrawl, Tulsa Oilers, Winter Jam, plus the irst and second rounds games of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament March 17-19.

For local and national performers, catch a show at historic Cain’s Ballroom. Dance to the sounds of Bob Willis Birthday Celebration with the Texas Playboys (March 4), The Flaming Lips (April 25) and more.

New in 2017 The ive-acre Lost Kingdom exhibit complex at the Tulsa Zoo is opening this year.

It will feature gardens and settings inspired by places like Angkor-Wat. There are specially designed exhibits for snow leopards, tigers (the tiger bridge allows visitors to safely watch the animals cross over guest pathways), red pandas/ binturong (bearcat), Siamangs (black-furred gibbon), Komodo dragons and an aviary.

The irst phase of the $350 million A Gathering Place on Riverside Drive is scheduled for completion in late 2017 with acres of places to play and gather along the Arkansas River.

The park will include a lodge, boathouse, two land bridges connecting the two sides of River Parks, sporting areas and a pond and much more. It’s all made possible in large part by the largest private gift to a public park in U.S. history. Construction for the George Kaiser Family Foundation project is funded by a mix of corporate and philanthropic Tulsa organizations.

The Oklahoma Aquarium, located in Jenks, will open its new Sea Turtle Island in March.

It will feature a 64,000-gallon tank that will be home to two 300-pound loggerhead sea turtles with a few reef sharks and tropical ish for company.

The aquarium has more than 100 exhibits and thousands of animals including some of the largest bull sharks in captivity.

Rita Sherrow 918-581-8360 rita.sherrow@tulsaworld.com Twitter: @tvtype

ONLINE Read news about your community on sites dedicated to you. Let us know what’s going on in your community. Share stories about you, your family, your neighborhood and more from these sites: bartlesvilleworld.com bixbyworld.com baledger.com catoosaworld.com claremoreworld.com

glenpoolworld.com jenks-world.com owassoreporter.com sandspringsleader.com sapulpaworld.com

Read any story you missed in this week’s special Outlook 2017 section online, and check last week’s stories on business in Tulsa and the surrounding communities. tulsaworld.com/ outlook2017

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10 MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS

By Rita Sherrow Tulsa World

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ulsa has something for everyone from opera to ballet, casinos to sports, top concerts to museums to opera and much more. Here are some of the mustsee attractions.

Tulsa Ballet 1212 E. 45th Place

Considered one of the country’s top ballet companies, Tulsa Ballet continues its tradition of classical and contemporary dance. That tradition has earned it international acclaim with performances in Italy, South Korea, Portugal and eastern Europe. This year’s program includes “Swan Lake,” “Emerging Choreographers Showcase” and the “Signature Series” of contemporary dance featuring Artistic Director Marcello Angelini’s favorite recent works.

The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa draws some of the most popular acts in the world. TULSA WORLD FILE

Hard Rock Casino 777 W. Cherokee St., Catoosa

Relax, gamble, party, dine or just enjoy yourself at this hotel with 454 rooms and suites, in-room dining or multiple restaurants and a to-die-for bufet. The Joint, the resort’s 45,000-square-foot entertainment venue with amphitheater-style seating, draws top national talent. You can also enjoy live music nightly at Rifs or play golf at the Cherokee Hills Golf Club designed by renowned architect Perry Maxwell and redesigned by Tripp Davis.

Brady Arts District One of Tulsa’s newly revitalized areas with bustling restaurants and bars, the iconic Cain’s Ballroom, the new Woody Guthrie Center, Guthrie Green, the Hardesty Arts Center and the Henry Zarrow Center for Art and Education.

Jennifer Grace and Joshua Stayton perform in Tulsa Ballet’s production of “Strictly Gershwin” as part of its 2017-2018 season. COURTESY

The Woody Guthrie Center houses the extensive collections of the legendary musician and social activist Woody Guthrie.

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BOK Center 200 S. Denver Ave.

Tulsa’s BOK Center, named 2016 Arena of the Year by Los Angeles-based Pollstar, is home to everything from major sporting events of all types to the hottest concerts to conventions, NBA preseason games and even the annual Winterfest. Journey is coming June 5, the Big 12 Wrestling Championship is in March as are the irst- and second-round games of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament and upcoming concerts include Steve Nicks, Green Day, Lionel Richie with special guest Mariah Carey, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, and more.

The BOK Center in downtown Tulsa hosts major sporting events, the hottest concerts and other events throughout the year.

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TULSA Tulsa Opera Tulsa Opera is one of the oldest opera companies in the United States and presents audiences with some of the inest singers of today. It continues to feature its own international stars such as Sarah Coburn and Peter Strummer. It maintains a schedule that includes brilliant performances as well as events including the upcoming “Puccini’s Tosca” in May and the American premiere of Pierangelo Valtinoni’s fairytale family opera “The Snow Queen” in June.

Aaron Blake and Sarah Shafer perform in Tulsa Opera’s production of “The Pearl Fishers.”

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Turkey Mountain 6850 S. Elwood Ave.

A hiker walks along a path covered by fall leaves on Turkey Mountain. TULSA WORLD FILE

Brandi Wallen, a biologist at the Oklahoma Aquarium, feeds a pair of sea turtles. The turtles are getting a new 64,000-gallon home in March. JESSIE WARDARSKI/Tulsa World

Oklahoma Aquarium 300 Aquarium Drive, Jenks

A hidden gem, this rugged urban wilderness ofers a variety of places for hiking, horseback riding, running, cycling, training or just enjoying the great outdoors. This park includes a bike repair station, outdoor shower and a children’s climbing area. All just 7 miles from downtown Tulsa along the Arkansas River.

The Tulsa Drillers play at ONEOK Field in the historic Greenwood District.

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So many family-friendly events are scheduled throughout the year. You can feed a turtle, sleep with the sharks and pet a stingray. The new Sea Turtle Island, expected to open in March, will include a 64,000-gallon tank as home for two 300-pound loggerhead sea turtles with some reef sharks and tropical ish for company.

Greenwood District Tulsa’s Greenwood District is steeped in history as home of the former “Black Wall Street” and is home to ONEOK Field (where the Tulsa Drillers baseball team plays) and the John Hope Franklin Reconciliation Park. The latter is a memorial to the 1921 Tulsa Race Riot and tells the story of African-Americans’ role in building Oklahoma. It is also home to the Greenwood Cultural Center, which works to preserve and document the historic district.

An artist’s rendering shows one of the gardens at A Gathering Place for Tulsa. The irst phase of the massive park is set to be inished in late 2017. COURTESY

Brookside/Cherry Street

A Gathering Place for Tulsa 26th Street and Riverside Drive

The irst phase of the $350 million A Gathering Place for Tulsa on Riverside Drive is scheduled to be completed in late 2017 with acres of places to play and gather along the Arkansas River. The park will include a lodge, boathouse, two land bridges connecting the two sides of River Parks, sporting areas and a pond. It is expected to draw more than 1 million visitors annually.

A server sets up for lunch on the sidewalk patio at Brookside by Day. TULSA WORLD FILE

Unique dining, shopping and more are available along the stretch of South Peoria known as Brookside and Cherry Street, which is nestled between Lewis and Peoria on 15th Street. Both are perfect for strolling, dining, enjoying a drink on patios and unique shopping.

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Enhance your quality of life at the library ur motto “Libraries Change Lives” truly embodies everything we endeavor to do at the Tulsa City-County Library.

In fact, the people of Tulsa County are the reason we come to work each day to collaborate on new and exciting programming and services to help make the Tulsa area an exciting place to live, work and attend school.

With nearly 2 million resources from which to select and borrow and 24 Kimberly locations, Tulsa Johnson City-County CEO, Tulsa Library literally City-County makes life betLibrary ter for all. If you have not taken the opportunity to explore what’s new at your library, I invite you to visit us and see all there is to ofer at this outstanding resource.

Our communities are full of lifelong learners, and at the Tulsa City-County Library we provide a commonplace and natural platform for intergenerational learning, as well as a place for entrepreneurs, small businesses and startups to succeed.

From a programmatic standpoint, we ofer an array of options, such as our Oklahoma’s Historic All-Black Towns Tour.

This daytrip down memory lane of some of Oklahoma’s most interesting cities provides a fascinating glimpse of the history of African-Americans in our state. Make plans to join our African-American Resource Center for this annual bus tour in June.

receive more than 175 digital magazine subscriptions at no charge delivered directly to your tablet or mobile phone?

Visit our website at www.TulsaLibrary.org/emagazines, sit back and relax and enjoy reading some of the most popular magazines on us!

This is just a small sampling of all the wonderful resources and services available at the Tulsa City-County Library for free of charge to anyone who has a library card. So, if you do not already have a library card, you can register for one in person at any of our 24 locations, or for immediate access to services, register online at www.TulsaLibrary.org/application and start enhancing your quality of life today.

For any other questions, call 918-549-7323 and our customer care experts will be happy to assist you.

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The renovated Tulsa Central Library ofers a children’s section with play stations and more. TULSA WORLD FILE

Parents or caregivers of young children should bring your preschoolers to Tulsa CityCounty Library’s Build-A-Reader storytimes. These programs are one of the best and most enjoyable ways to engage your child in reading and stimulate his or her creativity. At these fun programs, our children’s librarians incorporate reading, singing and music while ofering parents and caregivers the opportunity to bond. Be swept away by this high-energy storytime and then download the Build-A-Reader app to expand on this great learning experience at home.

Looking for inspiration to write that irst novel? Attend one of our many author presentations and learn from the

Kimberly Johnson is originally from the Bronx borough pros how to break through that So fasten your seatbelts and of New York. She earned her prepare to take of! writer’s block and bring your B. A. from the University of Our Central Library also feaown story to fruition.

Tulsa and a master’s degree tures a free Recording Studio Perhaps you would like to in Library and Information for local musicians and aspirimprove your computer skills.

Studies from the University ing recording artists to produce of Oklahoma. Johnson joined From MS Word to PowerPoint their own CDs to launch their 101 to Computers for Seniors, the Tulsa City-County Library Tulsa City-County Library ofers musical careers. in 1998 as coordinator of the If that isn’t impressive a bounty of free instructional African-American Resource enough, Central Library now classes to open the window Center at Rudisill Regional ofers a Maker Space lab where to opportunities and help you Library. She managed the you can design and create excel in our 21st century highSouth Broken Arrow Library your own prototype as well as tech world. and the Hardesty Regional a multitude of other projects Have you ever wanted to Library before becoming with a variety of machines, know what it would be like to regional director with responbe a pilot? Or has your child ex- such as 3-D printers, a CNC sibility of 11 libraries in 2012. pressed an interest in becoming mill, a laser engraver, vinyl In March 2013, Johnson was an aviator? Well, your renewed cutter, sewing machines and promoted to deputy director. more. Other 3-D printers also downtown Central Library is In 2014, she assumed the role are available at our Hardesty, home to two light simulators of chief operating oicer. She Rudisill and Zarrow regional to provide an opportunity to was promoted to chief execulibraries. inspire young and old alike to tive oicer in January 2017.

Did you know that you can explore the possibility of light.

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TULSA TCC builds bridges of cooperation, collaboration ’ve spent my career as an advocate for education. As a college faculty member and administrator, and a former Tulsa Public Schools board member, I have come to recognize that cooperation in education at all levels is the key to individual and community success.

At Tulsa Community College we build those bridges and demonstrate how educational institutions, businesses across the area and regional Leigh B. Goodson constituencies can band CEO, Tulsa together to Community meet students College where they are and direct them toward their goals.

Collaboration with the community has crafted our biggest bridge: the Tulsa Achieves program, which ofers tuition at no cost to Tulsa County high school graduates. Thanks to property tax revenues from Tulsa County residents, every high school senior – public, private or homeschool – who graduates with a 2.0 grade point average and commits to begin college the fall following their senior year is eligible for up to 63 college credit hours over three years. Since 2007, more than 14,000 students have entered college through Tulsa Achieves, and have given more than 529,000 hours of community service, adding $10.2 million in value to the area as part of their volunteer requirements.

Cooperation with our secondary school partners creates a bridge to a college

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for students with educational demands that lead them elsewhere, we have articulation agreements with many private and out-of-state schools.

Cooperation with industry helps us meet employment demands and create bridges for students that both lead to gainful employment and help them extend their skills. Companies like Enoserv, APSCO and M&M Manufacturing have used employee training from TCC to grow their businesses and train their employees with specialized courses to meet the demands of their ields. For example, when Enoserv recognized that their employees needed additional qualiications, we added classes to train them to work on electrical substations.

Tulsa is the center of a region in which cooperation thrives; we are stronger together than we are alone. Our diverse educational landscape is strengthened by collaborations in education and industry, and I look forward to Brian Johnson celebrates as he receives his associate of science in mathematics diploma from Tulsa Community College a future in which we extend at the Dick Conner Correctional Center in Hominy in 2015. TCC’s Corrections Education Program has helped hundreds those partnerships further, of people receive higher education since 2007 while also reducing the average ofender recidivism rate from 20 percent to ofer all our community’s to less than 5 percent among participants. TULSA WORLD FILE citizens the skills, credentials and jobs the market demands.

As the state’s largest provid- in dual-credit classes. And in education directly from high It’s up to all of us to support Glenpool, we’ve worked with er of concurrent enrollment, school classrooms. Thanks to the next generation so that we Superintendent Jerry Olansen remain a thriving economy TCC ofers a bridge to college a partnership led by Superinto make our Glenpool Comfor high school students in tendent Kirt Hartzler, Union with a vibrant workforce. munity Campus a dedicated more than 75 districts. Where Public Schools brings TCC concurrent enrollment site. schedules and resources preprofessors into an on-site colLeigh B. Goodson, Ph.D., is For many of our students, lege and career center. We have vent us from coming to them, president & CEO of Tulsa education doesn’t end at a similar agreement with Tulsa we leverage online learning Community College. She serves TCC, so we build bridges and our community campus Public Schools, where many on the board of directors for with university partners to locations. of our faculty work in collegethe YMCA of Greater Tulsa bring students to and through Last year, Jenks Public focused academies within the and the Tulsa Area United Schools Superintendent Stacey bachelor’s degree programs. high school environment, and Way. She is active in the Tulsa TCC students transfer and where Superintendent Deborah Butterield joined me for the Regional Chamber and on its Gist is using partnerships with grand opening of our Riverside thrive at the state’s large public Board of Directors. Goodson Community Campus and Avia- and regional universities like TCC and Tulsa Tech to pursue is a Presidential Fellow of the Northeastern State University positive changes in the second- tion Center, where students Aspen Institute College Exceland Langston University. And from her district are enrolled ary education experience. lence Program.

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A spirit of inclusiveness is good for business he energy and momentum Tulsa has created are evident as you walk around downtown, visit one of our vibrant commercial districts or see improvements and investments our city is making. It is a good time to be a Tulsan.

It is especially encouraging to know our city elected to invest in itself. This allows greater access to healthcare, transportation, increase in law enforcement and community policing, infrastructure improvements Moises Echeverria among many other exciting President projects which & CEO, will help Tulsa Oklahoma Center for attract and Community retain creative & Justice talent. I am excited about the lasting impact the voices of young professionals has on revitalizing our city. Tulsa continues to rank as one of the top cities for young entrepreneurs, afordability, short commutes, vibrant live music scene and more.

One of my favorite aspects of Tulsa is its welcoming spirit.

Through arduous work, civic and community leaders and institutions have led the charge to continue to make our city more inclusive. There is still much work to do and I am hopeful for the future. There truly is something for everyone to be engaged in, regardless of their passion.

As I continue to become engaged in community service I realize that our city is becoming an example of what inclusive leadership means.

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Students Taliyah Hansard, 10 (left), Allisson Villarreal, 8, Dylan Ledesma-Antel, 8, Ry’Morgan Buyckes, 9, and Nathan Strickland, 8, sit on a Buddy Bench at Jackson Elementary School in Tulsa in October. A Buddy Bench is a place where school children can go if they need a friend. The Oklahoma Center for Community and Justice sponsors the program, which is designed to help kids feel included, and reduce bullying. TULSA WORLD FILE Nancy McDonald (left) and Sheyda Brown check out a Buddy Bench at Jackson Elementary School. McDonald came up with the idea to bring the Buddy Bench to Oklahoma.

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Corporations, agencies and organizations are discovering the business case for inclusion. Not only is fostering an atmosphere of respect and understanding the right thing to do, but it afects the bottom

line. We can capitalize on our diversity, making it our competitive advantage. Inclusive leadership requires skills and knowledge to have courageous conversations needed to move the needle forward. There are

many organizations that are leading the charge in providing these tools to help our community in this regard.

The demographics of our city are rapidly changing. Our elementary school classrooms are a perfect picture of what future leadership will look like.

It is a diverse group who are growing to love their city, state and nation.

I still vividly remember the teachers, school counselors and mentors who helped inspire me and challenge me to do my best as I adjusted to a new culture and language as a young teen.

I had the privilege to attend Camp Anytown Leadership Institute, sponsored by the Oklahoma Center for Community and Justice (OCCJ). This leadership training for high

school students throughout the state focuses on our role to make a positive change in our communities as we learn to navigate through our deepest diferences. At Anytown I realized that the idea of “building bridges” is obsolete when we realize we stand on common ground.

For the last 15 years I have continue to learn and volunteer to help others realize that regardless of our diferences, we share much more in common. My deepest and most meaningful friendships are with individuals who live and believe diferently than I do. We enjoy exploring our similarities while celebrating and learning from our diferences.

As I run through one of our beautiful parks, visit one of our museums, or attend a concert or show, I am reminded that it is a good time to be a Tulsan.

Moises Echeverria serves as president and CEO of the Oklahoma Center for Community and Justice, an organization dedicated to achieve respect and understanding among all people. He has been involved with OCCJ for 15 years, irst as a program participant, then as volunteer and subsequently as staf. He is passionate about education and giving back to the community. He serves on the Tulsa City-County Library Commission, Tulsa Public School Superintendent Community Advisory Committee, Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Society and is chair-elect for TYPros, the largest young professional organization in the nation. Echeverria graduated from East Central High School in Tulsa and Oklahoma State University.

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TULSA Philbrook helping to reshape role of museums his was not what I expected. Flying into Tulsa for my irst interview at Philbrook, I anticipated inding a sleepy city set upon the prairie, ringed by lat expanses of red dirt, dotted with the occasional cow or oil derrick. Instead, I was greeted by a lush, rolling landscape, sparkling lakes, miles of bike trails and stunning parks.

However, the biggest surprise Scott was not the Stulen green landscape, Director & but the vibrancy president, of the city. Tulsa Philbrook is a dynamic Museum creative center, of Art built upon a unique history and poised to unleash its unlimited potential.

I wasn’t looking for a change.

My curatorial position at the Indianapolis Museum of Art was unlike any in the country, my family was happily settled and I was having an impact in the community. We were content.

My wife and I did discuss our future and what it would take to consider a move. It would need to be a dynamic position, at a respected institution, in a rising city, with rich cultural resources, a good place to raise a family, and a place where we could make a diference. Then Philbrook called.

Philbrook has built a national reputation as a communityfacing institution, focused on education. Tulsa is a city just beginning to scratch the surface of its promise and is uniquely blessed with worldclass cultural institutions (Tulsa Ballet, Symphony, Tulsa Opera,

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Philbrook Museum Director Scott Stulen says new programs will engage the entire Philbrook campus, exploring connections between art, food, nature and even exercise. STEPHEN PINGRY/Tulsa World file

Gilcrease Museum to name a few) and an unmatched culture of philanthropy. The Brady Arts District is the cultural heart of downtown, First Friday draws thousands of visitors each month, the Tulsa Artist Fellowship program is attracting and retaining national talent and the Gathering Place will be a game changer when it opens.

All these things made a compelling case as we weighed pros and cons.

But the primary reason we moved to Tulsa is to be part of a community that shares our core values, to help guide an institution focused on serving our neighbors while reshaping the role of museums in society. In short, to make a real diference.

My vision for Philbrook is a shared vision with Tulsa.

It is echoed in the dozens of meetings I’ve had with fellow cultural organizations, civic

leaders, businesses and community members. Essential to that vision is the importance of education, as it is to the health of any vibrant city.

Philbrook regards learning, creativity and the investigation of ideas as a vital, life-long pursuit, advocating inquiry and experimentation in all our activities and programs. Putting our beliefs into action, the My Museum program has issued over 30,000 art kits to area children since its inception.

Second Saturday welcomes thousands of visitors each month with free admission and thematic programming for all ages. And our new teacher program, launched in the wake of the past election, has resulted in over 600 free memberships to Oklahoma Public School teachers in less than three months.

New programs on the horizon

will engage the entire Philbrook campus, exploring connections between art, food, nature and even exercise. We are planting vegetable gardens, installing bee hives, planning social spaces, commissioning new works by artists and musicians, and celebrating our history while creating new traditions.

We are adapting to meet the changing needs of our audience, including later hours, increased amenities, access programs and social experiences for all ages.

Museums must play a more active role in society to remain relevant and meaningful. We are the new town square, a place of gathering, celebration, debate and even fun. Like many of the successful, forward-looking anchors of our city, Philbrook is constantly seeking new ideas, embracing risk and failure as part of innovation, and conidently bridging our rich

history with a bright future.

It’s Tulsa’s time, and I am thrilled to be a part of it.

Scott Stulen took over as director of Philbrook in August 2016. Most recently curator of audience experiences with the Indianapolis Museum of Art, where his work received international attention, Stulen began his career with the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis. His unique background as a curator, programmer, nationally exhibiting artist, professional DJ and educator manifests in his proven ability to ignite audiences around art and culture. His work regularly earns him speaking engagements on the future role of museums in society. Scott and wife, Rachel, a regional specialist with a financial services company, reside in midtown Tulsa with their two boys, Erlend, 6, and Oliver, 2.

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BARTLESVILLE Bartlesville committed to top notch facilities City regularly earns high marks in quality of living surveys

Brad and Donnica Nicholas and their daughter Audra, 9, of Dewey explore the Sooner Park play tower in Bartlesville.

By Laura Summers For the Tulsa World

BARTLESVILLE — Laughter from hundreds of children daily ills the rooms of Bartlesville’s Boys and Girls Club where staf and volunteers work year-round to provide recreational and educational support to youth and families who lock to the thriving organization in ever-growing numbers.

Support of the city’s varied nonproit organizations is a key component to the excellent quality of life in this northeast Oklahoma community, which is known for prestigious festivals, ine arts, schools and volunteerism. Boys and Girls Club of Bartlesville, which is constructing a new $7 million facility on the west side, is one of several local organizations conducting capital campaigns this year to expand or improve their operational bases.

“There are lots of great things happening with our nonprofits and with our schools,” Sherri Wilt, Bartlesville Regional Chamber of Commerce director, said. “We are so blessed as a community to have the resources to meet the challenges that come our way.”

Providing top-notch programs and facilities for youth is a continuing high priority for Bartlesville, which has made a commitment to quality educational facilities in both public and private schools. Bartlesville voters approved $19.4 million in bond issue improvements in 2016 for public schools, adding to the $37

JAMES GIBBARD/ Tulsa World

About Bartlesville Population: 36,595, 12th most populous city in state * Population change since 2010: +2.4 percent * Median household income: $50,280 ** Median home price (owner-occupied): $111,700 ** Unemployment rate: 5.1 percent ** Source: U.S. Census Bureau * July 1, 2015 Population Estimates ** 2011-2015 American Community Survey 5-year estimates

million in capital projects approved at the ballot box in 2014.

The district now is upgrading tennis courts, track and weight rooms, ieldhouse, softball and baseball ields, elementary school playgrounds and ine arts rooms — all complementing major construction projects completed at the high school and middle schools.

St. John’s Catholic School also expanded its facility this year with new classrooms, gymnasium and oice space on multiple levels to provide an exceptional learning environment for its students.

Bartlesville consistently earns high marks for its quality of living in surveys rating the area, including Area Vibes, which praised the community as “exceptionally livable” and issued A grades for the region’s amenities, schools and competitive cost of goods and services.

Visitors and residents alike en-

joy popular tourism attractions including the 3,700-acre wildlife refuge and museum found at Woolaroc, which once was the summer home for oil tycoon Frank Phillips and his wife Jane.

Likewise the couple’s downtown mansion – known these days as the Frank Phillips Home – is a favorite spot to visit.

Frank Lloyd Wright’s only skyscraper resides in Bartlesville in the Price Tower Arts Center, which houses both modern art exhibits in a museum space and hotel services. Visitors also can stop in for a meal or cocktail at the tower’s restaurant.

Also on the downtown attraction circuit are the Bartlesville Area History Museum and Phillips Petroleum Company Museum, along with historic train cars housed at Bartlesville Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Nellie Johnstone Oil Well display in nearby Johnstone Park.

Bartlesville has focused on

embracing its historic roots in black gold and Native American heritage in recent years drawing a steady crowd of tourists, sports tournaments and conventions to the region. In addition to the strength of touring visitors, Bartlesville business leaders have worked to enhance the quality of life for residents by bringing more new retail and restaurant oferings to town while also committing tax increment inance district dollars to the restoration and renovation of a strong Main Street atmosphere in historic downtown.

As 2017 gets rolling, the community is looking forward to the completion of new top-notch facilities including the Boys and Girls Club complex, as well as the start of other housing, retail and nonproit construction projects aimed at helping Bartlesville maintain the best possible ambience in which to live, work and play.

Fast facts: Bartlesville has 16,768 households in a 22.74-square-mile area, according to the U.S. Census. * The average travel time to work in Bartlesville is nine minutes, according to Bartlesville Regional Chamber of Commerce. * There are 80 local nonprofits with opportunities for service listed in volunteerBartlesville.com.

Contact information: Bartlesville City Hall, 918-338-4282, 401 S. Johnstone Ave., cityofbartlesville. org

Bartlesville

TULSA

BIXBY Bixby getting ready for downtown revitalization About Bixby

By Stephanie Andre For the Tulsa World

BIXBY — Long known as a great place to raise a family, Bixby is about to undergo a major transformation that will solidify its reputation as being one of the top cities in the state to call home.

“Right now, Bixby is going through probably one of the largest, most multi-faceted development phases in its history,” said Mayor John Easton in a public address last November. “From head to toe, from north to south, there is something for everyone in what Bixby has going on right now.”

The irst noticeable change will be the revitalization of downtown Bixby.

Construction is currently underway on the Charley Young Event Park located in the heart of downtown. The grassy space that once featured a small gazebo and playground equipment will be transformed into an event venue with the potential to host a variety of attractions such as concerts, movie screenings and a farmers market.

The park is scheduled to open in May prior to the annual Green Corn Festival that takes place in the same location.

The upgrade will be similar to what neighboring suburbs like Broken Arrow and Jenks have done within their cities, but unique to Bixby.

In addition to the park transformation, there will be an expanded streetscaping initiative that will incorporate landmark

TULSA

Bixby

Population: 24,657, 18th most populous city in state * Population change since 2010: +18.1 percent * Median household income: $73,143 ** Median home price (owner-occupied): $192,400 ** Unemployment rate: 4.0 percent ** Source: U.S. Census Bureau * July 1, 2015 Population Estimates ** 2011-2015 American Community Survey 5-year estimates

Drew Barnes, a superintendent with Barnes Construction Solutions, walks through the Charley Young Event Park renovation project in downtown Bixby. CORY YOUNG/Tulsa World

and directional sign installation to clearly designate where the downtown Bixby area begins, something that has been unclear to visitors, according to research commissioned by the city council.

Sidewalks, trees and wayinding banners along Memorial Drive from 136th to 155th Street will welcome visitors to the downtown district.

Bixby Chamber of Commerce president Krystal Crockett said the revitalization will not only improve the quality of life, but bolster business as well.

“With a strong city center, our entire community will beneit from increased event capabilities, business opportunities and a more synergistic feel to our core district,” she said.

On top of its outstanding amenities, Bixby has also been named the safest large city in Oklahoma

by ValuePenguin, a consumer re-

source company. It is the second consecutive year the city has received the rating that is based on crime data from 71 cities across the state.

The designation is especially notable considering the growth Bixby has experienced in recent years.

According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the population has increased 14.8 percent since 2010.

As a result, more new homes are being built every year and that trend will continue with a predicted 350 new homes going up in 2017.

Bixby Public Schools has also felt the efects of growth with enrollment numbers increasing every year.

In 2016, voters approved a 10year, $142 million bond for new schools and expansion of existing facilities aimed at keeping up

with growth.

The same year, the district was also dealt a blow due to statewide budget cuts that will lessen revenue received by an estimated $1.7 million for the 2016-2017 school year.

But despite the challenges of growing on a tight budget, Bixby Public Schools has maintained its high level of academic achievement through its dedicated administrators, faculty and parents.

In May 2016, a grassroots campaign called Bridge the Gap was created by parents to help inancially support the schools and help soften the impact on their children’s education.

Since its inception, the program has raised over $200,000 for the district.

Superintendent Kyle Wood lauded parents and the community for their “herculean” eforts in stepping up in the school’s time of need.

“Every penny raised by the Bridge the Gap program has gone to materials, supplies, programs, services, instruction and equip-

Fast facts: Bixby currently has only one bridge over the Arkansas River that connects north and south Bixby. Due to public safety concerns, there has been a big push for the construction of a second bridge at a site yet to be determined. Mayor John Easton has encouraged citizens to “talk up” the bridge issue with state representatives in the hopes of making it a reality.

Shopping: Downtown Bixby has a few small shops that feature clothing, antiques and gifts. More development is anticipated upon the completion of the downtown revitalization.

Contact information: Bixby Metro Chamber of Commerce, 918-3669445 or bixbychamber.com. “Like” the Bixby Metro Chamber of Commerce page on Facebook, or email events@bixbychamber.com to join their mailing list.

ment for the students,” said Wood. “The Bixby community responded in a colossal way in answering the call of giving by the Bridge the Gap program.”

tulsaworld.com

TULSA WORLD

Sunday, February 26, 2017 O23

broken arrow Broken Arrow downtown becoming a hot spot

By Michael Overall

The Rose District in downtown Broken Arrow has more than 70 restaurants and shops.

Construction crews are upgrading sidewalks, lighting and landscaping that will more than double the area of the district.

Tulsa World

BROKEN ARROW — Instead of heading to Tulsa to find a bustling, urban district with restaurants and nightlife, more and more Broken Arrow residents are staying close to home and visiting their own downtown.

For some, it will be very close to home.

Developers broke ground last August on The Oaks off Main, a brownstone-style residential development in the Rose District that will feature 16 homes ranging in size from 1,400 to 2,300 square feet.

Along with a noticeable increase in home-improvement and renovation projects in neighborhoods that are within walking-distance of downtown, city officials hope to attract a lot more residential development to the Rose District — or what Broken Arrow calls its recently revitalized central business district.

“We’re going to have a lot more density than the typical suburban area,” said Wes Smithwick, president and chief executive officer of the Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce. “A lot of people want that lifestyle. They want to be able to walk to dinner, or walk to shopping. And we’re going to provide that.”

The area’s largest suburb and the fourth largest city in the state, Broken Arrow has scored several coups over the years to attract developments that other parts of the metropolitan area would have been glad to have, including the popular Bass Pro Shop and the more recent Warren Theater, which pulls a lot of moviegoers from Tulsa. But downtown has become the suburb’s hot spot in recent years.

The Rose District, named for the flower of choice that was

STEPHEN PINGRY/ Tulsa World

About Broken Arrow Population: 106,563 4th most populous city in state * Population change since 2010: +7.8 percent * Median household income: $67,131 ** Median home price (owner-occupied): $155,600 ** Unemployment rate: 5.7% ** Source: U.S. Census Bureau * July 1, 2015 Population Estimates ** 2011-2015 American Community Survey 5-year estimates Fast fact: The Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center, the cor-

planted by many of the area’s original settlers in the early 1900s, already has more than 70 places to eat, shop or just hang

nerstone of the Rose District, will celebrate its eighth anniversary this year. Broadway tours, concerts and other major shows have come through the venue since it opened in 2009.

Well-known resident: Kristin Chenoweth Shopping: Broken Arrow has more than 1,600 retailers, including a variety of local shops in the downtown Rose District.

Contact information: Broken Arrow City Hall, 220 S. First St., 918-2592400, brokenarrowok.gov.

out, including the trendy Main Street Tavern. And construction crews are currently working on a four-block area to improve side-

TULSA

Broken Arrow

walks, lighting and landscaping, more than doubling the downtown area that has been given the “Rose District look.”

While bringing a different lifestyle option to the city, downtown

revitalization is also contributing to Broken Arrow’s budget. About six years ago, before recent developments brought more businesses into the area, downtown collected roughly $20,000 in sales tax. In 2016, the district generated more than $350,000 in sales-tax revenue.

“The Rose District continues to expand and thrive,” Ted Cundiff, last year’s chairman of the Chamber’s board of directors, told a recent Chamber luncheon.

“We want to continue to support our positive momentum.”

Michael Overall 918-581-8383 michael.overall @tulsaworld.com Twitter: @MichaelOverall2

O24 SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2017

TULSA WORLD

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CATOOSA

Tax revenue improving parks, sports facility That influx of funds has made it possible to spend more on infrastructure

About Catoosa Population: 7,146, 56th most populous city in state * Population change since 2010: -0.07 percent * Median household income: $50,750 ** Median home price (owner-occupied): $103,200 ** Unemployment rate: 4.5 % **

By Lenzy Krehbiel-Burton For the Tulsa World

CATOOSA — Catoosa residents are getting more opportunities to stretch their legs without leaving the city limits.

As more businesses set up shop in western Rogers County, additional sales-tax revenue has started coming into Catoosa’s municipal cofers over the last three years.

That inlux of funds has made it possible for the community to put more funds toward infrastructure, including new amenities and improved facilities through its parks department.

“We’ve worked hard to work with developers coming to town to make sure we’ve got some good, planned growth and get the things and businesses our citizens want and need,” City Manager David Tillotson said.

In May, the community opened up its irst splash pad, located at Curtis Conley Memorial Park near city hall.

As part of a multimillion-dollar master plan, upgrades are underway at both Rogers Point Park near the Verdigris River and the Rodger Berry Sports Complex.

Located at 21201 E. Pine Street, the multisport facility is slated to receive $10 million in amenities, including improvements to its existing softball and soccer ields, bathrooms and concession stands to attract more tournaments. Dirt work is already in progress with the project slated to take two years.

Renovation plans for Rogers Point Park include a new amphitheater and circle drive, plus additional green space upon the

Source: U.S. Census Bureau * July 1, 2015 Population Estimates ** 2011-2015 American Community Survey 5-year estimates

The community opened up its irst splash pad in May at Curtis Conley Memorial Park near city hall.

JAMES GIBBARD/Tulsa World

Rogers Point Park is one of two major park complexes set to receive upgrades as part of a multimillion-dollar master plan. JAMES GIBBARD/Tulsa World

completion of water and sewer line upgrades.

Existing recreation facilities are also on track to beneit from Catoosa’s expanding commercial district, including new outdoor exercise equipment and

improvements to the already existing walking trails.

Along with the community’s growing municipal park system, several Route 66 attractions continue to pull in residents and visitors alike.

On the east side of town, the Blue Whale of Catoosa is still drawing in picnic-goers and visitors daily from 8 a.m. to dusk.

Built in 1972 as an anniversary present from Hugh Davis to his wife, Zelta, the concrete whale is maintained by a cadre of volunteers, local businesses and members of the Davis family.

Named for a long-time Catoosa resident and the site’s benefactor, the D.W. Correll Museum at 19934 E. Pine St. ofers a little bit of everything. Stufed between the two buildings are restored vintage cars, geodes, jewelry, igurines, antique liquor decanters and an 8-foot-by-72foot mural highlighting some of the museum’s pieces.

The museum is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. It is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Fast facts: The name of the city is derived from the Cherokee language, phonetically pronounced “Ga-du-si” or “Ga-tu-si.” Various interpretations of the word exist, including: “between two hills,” “on the hill,” “into the hills” and possibly signifying a prominent hill. The Blue Whale in Catoosa is a popular tourist stop along Historic Route 66.

The town was established following the opening of a post oice in 1883.

Well-known resident: Nineteenthcentury outlaw Bluford “Blue” Duck, the inspiration for a character of the same name in Larry McMurtry’s novel “Lonesome Dove,” briely lived in Catoosa and is buried in the Dick Duck cemetery near 193rd East Avenue and Pine Street.

Shopping: Construction is ongoing at the Catoosa Hills shopping center, located of Interstate 44 and 193rd East Avenue.

Contact information: 918-2660800, cityofcatoosa.org

Catoosa TULSA

OUTLOOK 2017 Brookside real estate surges with park coming

By Rhett Morgan Tulsa World

It will be a while before visitors can snif the lowers or catch a concert in the expanses of A Gathering Place for Tulsa, the city’s world-class park going up south of downtown along Riverside Drive.

But the urban green space already is boosting the marketability of homes in the popular area, real estate agents say.

“It’s amazing,” says Ashley Wozniak, a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Select. “In the listing remarks, almost every single one of them, you see ‘close to Gathering Place, Trader Joe’s (at 37th Street and Peoria Avenue).’

But mostly every listing that’s close by, we use the Gathering Place. That really has brought up the value the homes in that area, for sure.”

“Most people, if they’re from Tulsa, they know about it. They want to be close to that area.

They want to be in walking distance of the park. They want to be within walking distance of entertainment, to all the things that are happening in Brookside.”

The Brookside neighborhood extends along South Peoria Avenue from 31st to 51st streets, east to Lewis Avenue and west to Riverside Drive. It bumps up to the $350 million A Gathering Place, whose 66.5-acre irst phase will stretch from about 26th to 31st streets on the east side of Riverside Drive and from 26th Street

A home is for sale near the Brookside neighborhood in Tulsa. Real estate prices have risen in the area near A Gathering Place for Tulsa. TULSA WORLD FILE

to 33rd Place on the west side.

Brookside’s signature strip, on South Peoria from about 31st Street to Interstate 44, is replete with boutiques, art galleries and upscale bars and eateries, many with outdoor seating.

“Those houses on both sides of Peoria close to the Gathering Place, if they are priced accordingly and have the wow factor … we can sell these before they even hit the market,” Wozniak says. “If they do make it to market, they sell within a couple of days, usually for full price.”

She is aware of a couple of area homes that have recently sold for $190 per square foot, including a two-bedroom, two-bath house that went for $220,000. That residence was on the selling block for a day, she says.

“It’s really taken of in the last year,” Wozniak says. “Once the

actual construction started and people knew what was going to happen, that’s when real estate agents started pushing the Gathering Place.”

To accommodate A Gathering Place and improve infrastructure around it, the city in July closed a segment of Riverside Drive, forcing drivers to detour between 24th and 41st streets until at least the fall of 2017.

“Initially, when the project was underway and streets were closed of, I think it created some anxiety,” says Laura Hawkins of McGraw Realtors. “People were afraid there was going to be too much increased traic. Since Riverside was closed, Cincinnati (Avenue) was getting a lot of cutthrough traic, and I’m sure it still is.

“But people are accustomed to the idea now, and they are more

excited and I do get the feeling that property values on the west side of Peoria are increasing.

That was going to happen, anyway, because the east side has just boomed and it has priced some people out of Brookside.”

On the east side of Peoria, it’s common to have a newly built house priced from $600,000 to $700,000, Hawkins says. On the west side, homes are being razed and rebuilt at selling prices from $400,000 to $450,000, she says.

“It’s still an unknown,” Hawkins says. “But I feel like there’s a lot more positive energy about the (Gathering Place) project now than when everything irst got torn up.”

“People like the lifestyle of being able to walk to all of the restaurants in Brookside. I just have to believe that walking to the Gathering Place might be a good thing, too.”

Vidal and Sineca Jefcoat moved into a house built almost 80 years ago in Brookside about eight years ago. Wanting additional room and a home more modern than their 1,200-squarefoot version, they went shopping but failed to ind a it.

So they cleared their property in the 1200 block of East 31st Place and are building a two-story residence that doubles their space.

“Absolutely, the park was a major factor into us not moving,” Vidal Jefcoat said. “It is right there. It basically backs up to our neighborhood.”

Gordon Shelton, who manages McGraw’s corporate oice, says the real estate momentum generated by the park has been churning for a while.

“We started to see it used in listings about two years ago,” he says. “Location, location, location is always one of our key factors in appraising property and market value for property. We feel like it’s going to be a very positive inluence on this whole area of midtown. It’s a quality-of-life enhancement.”

He cited a prime example in the 3100 block of South Madison Avenue, a home built in 1939 that sits between Riverside Drive and Peoria Avenue.

“It had air-conditioners hanging out of the windows,” Shelton says. “It was pretty much an original house. And that thing had a bidding war on it and it sold for $205,000. That little piece of dirt, about a 10,000-square-foot lot going for 205 (thousand dollars).

In essence, that’s the same thing happening in Brookside on the east side of Peoria.

“Buyers are either coming in and removing old, outdated homes and building new or homeowners who thought about moving are tearing down existing homes and putting a new one on the spot. You don’t see that going on in other parts of Tulsa.”

Rhett Morgan 918-581-8394 rhett.morgan@tulsaworld.com

TULSA WORLD

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2017 O25

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CLAREMORE City initiative aims to improve quality of life

By Lenzy Krehbiel-Burton For the Tulsa World

CLAREMORE — Claremore does not want to go gray just yet.

In an efort to attract and keep younger professionals in the Rogers County community, the Claremore Industrial and Economic Development Authority launched the Claremore Collective in January 2016 as a workforce development initiative. In its irst year alone, more than 600 people attended the organization’s events.

“We’re pulling people in, engaging them and bringing them out of the woodwork,” executive director Meggie Froman-Knight said. “Especially from a young professionals perspective, if there are cool things near where you work, you want to live near there and spend your free time there, too.”

A partner organization to the Tulsa Young Professionals, the group is primarily aimed at Claremore residents in their 20s, 30s and early 40s. Although the membership numbers tend to skew slightly older than their Tulsa counterpart, FromanKnight is quick to point out that participation is not restricted to area millennials and Generation X’ers.

“Our programming is targeted at young professionals,” she said. “However, unless you want to serve on the leadership team, there’s no age cap. If you’re young at heart, you’re welcome to come out and get involved.”

The organization is made up of ive crews: Arts and Entertainment, Attraction, Development, Government Relations and Next Gen Leadership. Mem-

Katelyn Tittle and Brandon Irby are participants in the Claremore Collective, a workforce development initiative.

About Claremore Population: 18,997, 27th most populous city in state * Population change since 2010: +2.2 percent * Median household income: $40,559 ** Median home price (owner-occupied): $115,600 ** Unemployment rate: 7.3% ** Source: U.S. Census Bureau * July 1, 2015 Population Estimates ** 2011-2015 American Community Survey 5-year estimates

Fast fact: A destination on Historic Route 66, also known as The Mother Road, the city ofers a variety of musical, cultural and recreational

bers can participate in one or more groups by volunteering for initiatives and attending monthly meetings, including mixers and lunch time “think tank” sessions that allow attendees to pitch what they want the future

options, including the Will Rogers Memorial Museum and the J.M. Davis Arms & Historical Museum.

Well-known resident: J.M. Davis, namesake of the gun and historical museum, started his famous collection at the Mason Hotel about 100 years ago.

Shopping: More than 30 businesses are in the Ne-Mar Center, which has been around since 1967.

Many of the locally owned shops are in downtown, with a number of national chains located along Oklahoma 66.

Contact information: City Hall, 918-341-1325, claremorecity.com

of Claremore to look like, such as the addition of a dog park.

Since its oicial rollout, the organization has already seen one of its short term goals come to fruition: the expansion of mountain bike trails around

Claremore has seen an expansion of mountain bike trails around Claremore Lake. LENZY KREHBIEL-BURTON/for the Tulsa World

Claremore TULSA

Claremore Lake. With an assist from the Claremore Collective, the trails added 4.5 miles in 2016, thus drawing additional bicycle traic from across the region.

The group has also been active in the community’s eforts to bring more businesses to its downtown district, which has experienced $10 million in private investments over the last year. In November, the Claremore Collective facilitated a

group tour of the recently expanded downtown area in Bentonville, Arkansas, to provide inspiration moving forward.

In the coming months, the organization will be working with developers and stakeholders, including Rogers State University, the Will Rogers Museum and the Claremore Expo to build up the West Bend District as an entertainment destination.

“We want to help enhance the community with things you might not expect to see in a smaller town,” Froman-Knight said.

A popular Claremore destination for locals and tourists is the Will Rogers Memorial Museum.

The museum houses a collection of archives, ilms, personal belongings and memorabilia of America’s most beloved humorist and cowboy philosopher. It sits on a hill overlooking the city of Claremore.

GLENPOOL Glenpool improves public safety, soccer fields A voterapproved sales tax will allow Glenpool’s irst responders to upgrade their antiquated radio technology. The Glenpool Police Department also is adding ive new oicers.

By Britt Greenwood For the Tulsa World

GLENPOOL — Public safety and soccer may not have a lot in common, but for Glenpool in 2017, both items are highly anticipated community improvements.

With a voter-approved 2016 sales tax, known at the Move Glenpool Forward propositions and allotments from the Tulsa County Vision 2025 sales tax initiative, Glenpool is investing in a number of community enhancements with a large portion going to public safety and a new soccer complex.

Glenpool Mayor Tim Fox explains that the Move Glenpool Forward tax, which went into effect on Jan. 1, provides for public safety equipment and personnel.

“With this money, we are going to be able to address many things; one will be our radio system that our police, ire and ambulance use,” said Fox. The radio technology — antiquated at more than 30 years old — inds Glenpool being one of the only cities in the region still using the system.

“It (an updated radio system) will allow these entities to be in direct contact with the other area irst responders in the metro area in the event we need mutual aid from them, or they need our help. That alone will give our citizens faster response times in the event a need arises when every second counts,” said Fox. The issue hits close to home for Glenpool resident and mother Sydney Rutledge. She is also

STEPHEN PINGRY/ Tulsa World

the wife of a Tulsa ireighter.

Rutledge recognizes the city’s rapid growth and parallel need for safety personnel and equipment.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if eventually they will need additional facilities,” she said.

Having additional public safety staf is particularly important to Rutledge.

“It makes me feel safer. If my house catches on ire, and my son is trapped inside, I would hope that they would have enough ireighters ready to go, ready to do their job. Also, if the ireighters get into a bad situation on a call, they have enough backup to get it done and take care of themselves at the same time,” said Rutledge.

Rutledge is also relieved knowing the police department can operate more eiciently “if they are fully stafed to all their needs.”

Police Chief Dennis Waller said after the training period of ive new police oicer hires funded by the Move Glenpool Forward proposition, the de-

partment will add one oicer to the day shift, two oicers to the evening shift and one oicer to the midnight shift.

“It may not sound like a big change, but one person can make the diference when you have more than one call at a time. More oicers is also a safety factor — one oicer versus two can make the diference on scene.”

Waller also said the staf increase will reduce overtime expenses Debuting later in 2017, Glenpool soccer athletes will have a new, $1.2 million facility where they can practice and compete.

“We are moving along on the new South County Soccer Fields, that the city will be constructing in 2017,” Fox said.

The ields will be located behind the South County Recreation Center, 13800 S. Peoria Ave. Funding was provided largely by the Tulsa County Vision 2025 Sales Tax initiative at a sum of $978,762 and the remaining $267,438 by the City of Glenpool 2011 Construction Bond funds.

Resident Ginny Coats could be called “the soccer mom.” With one daughter and Glenpool graduate currently playing collegiate soccer on scholarship and a middle school-aged son in competitive soccer, she has spent hundreds, if not thousands, of hours cheering on Glenpool athletes — typically in other cities.

“I feel like this improvement is way overdue, but so glad it is inally happening and will improve the youth of Glenpool.”

Coats drives her son to Tulsa three times a week for practice — a pattern in her children’s soccer careers. She is disappointed her daughter missed out on the opportunity to use the upcoming soccer complex but is grateful her son has the chance.

The soccer facility will host two tournament-size ields that can be broken down into several smaller ields. A playing ield irrigation system and surface drainage improvements are being included to help ield maintenance on the specialty sod designed for heavy use.

The complex will also have concessions, restrooms, storage, pedestrian paths, bleachers, picnic shelters, expanded parking to the south end of the South County Recreation Center, security fencing and gates surrounding the perimeter.

“Sometimes sports are the only positive outlet kids have in their lives. I feel it’s important to make it available to them,” said Coats, “It will provide opportunity for younger players and the community. When tournaments are held it will bring revenue into the community.”

About Glenpool Population: 13,225, 35th most populous city in state * Population change since 2010: +22.4 percent * Median household income: $59,444 ** Median home price (owner-occupied): $124,700 ** Unemployment rate: 7.0 percent ** Unemployment rate: 4.0% ** Source: U.S. Census Bureau * July 1, 2015 Population Estimates ** 2011-2015 American Community Survey 5-year estimates

Fast fact: The median age in Glenpool is 32.5. The city has many young families and one of the youngest median ages in the area. For comparison, the median age in Tulsa is 37.

Well-known resident: Taylor Gorton, Miss Oklahoma USA 2016.

Shopping: About 160 retail establishments are located in the city, including a rustic furniture store and a motorcycle apparel shop.

Contact information: 918322-5409, Glenpoolonline. com

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Glenpool

O26 SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2017

TULSA WORLD

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JENKS Downtown Commons expected to be big draw

By Michael Overall

About Jenks

Tulsa World

JENKS — Modeled after a popular park in Tulsa’s Brady District, Jenks will open a new Downtown Commons this spring, when it will likely become on of the most-visited sites in the fast-growing suburb.

Similar to the Guthrie Green in downtown Tulsa, Jenks’ new park will feature a sleek, modern design with green space and a covered stage for concerts and public events. And like the Guthrie Green, the Downtown Commons will create a natural destination for pedestrians as they come and go from nearby shops and restaurants.

Well known for its antique shops, downtown Jenks is making a concerted efort to expand its reputation as an arts district.

And at the center of that efort stands The Hive, a 6,000-squarefoot facility that opened in 2015 and includes an art gallery and event space.

Nick DeMoss, vice president of communications and programs at the Jenks Chamber of Commerce, calls it “a blank canvas for creative people.”

“We’re booked from March through December,” DeMoss said recently.

Highlights will include a Jenks Public Schools art showcase in April, a Green Country Watercolor Society exhibition in May and a Tulsa Artists Guild showcase in October.

Meanwhile, the Oklahoma Aquarium — one of the biggest tourist attractions not only in Jenks, but in the whole Tulsa area — will grow even more

Population: 20,740, 21st most populous city in state * Population change since 2010: +22.5 percent * Median annual income: $86,747 ** Median home price (owner-occupied): $187,700 ** Unemployment rate: 3.5 percent ** Source: U.S. Census Bureau

* July 1, 2015 Population Estimates ** 2011-2015 American Community Survey 5-year estimates

Brandi Wallen, a biologist at the Oklahoma Aquarium, feeds a pair of sea turtles. The turtles are getting a new 64,000-gallon home in March. JESSIE WARDARSKI/Tulsa World

school system will grow even stronger with the opening of Northwest Elementary in time for the fall semester. Under construction at 7625 S. Elwood Ave., Northwest will be the district’s fourth elementary school and will serve students in preK through fourth grade. Voters approved the new $42.5 million facility as part of a $120 million bond issue in February.

“It’s an exciting time for Jenks,” The new Downtown Commons, now under construction in Jenks, seems to take DeMoss said, “and 2017 is going inspiration from Guthrie Green in downtown Tulsa. COURTESY to be a big year.” popular after a new sea turtle tinue to grow with the opening of exhibit opens this spring. And Maryn’s Tap House and Raw Bar. Michael Overall Education has always been a the RiverWalk — another attrac918-581-8383 tion that draws visitors from all popular reason for families to michael.overall@tulsaworld. across the Tulsa area — will con- move to Jenks, and the public com

Fast fact: Jenks was ranked No. 43 in the August 2007 issue of Money Magazine’s “Top 100 Best Places to Live in the U.S.” The magazine focused on cities with a population of 50,000 or less that ofered the best combination of economic opportunity, good schools, safe streets, things to do and a sense of community.

Landmark: The Oklahoma Aquarium attracts nearly half a million tourists a year.

Well-known residents: Miss America 2006 Jennifer Berry graduated from Jenks High School in 2001, and the Trojans have contributed players to at least 17 diferent NFL teams.

Contact information: City Hall, 211 N. Elm St., 918-299-5883

Twitter: @MichaelOverall2

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OWASSO

Several park projects underway in Owasso

By Kyle Hinchey Tulsa World

OWASSO — A new dog park and extensive renovations to a sports complex are just some of the projects underway in Owasso.

After the city was allocated $6.8 million in excess funds from Vision 2025 in 2014, its leaders began planning about a dozen projects aimed at improving leisure activities.

One of those is Owasso’s irst public dog park, which has been the subject of several community requests in the past decade, said Larry Langford, the city’s director of recreation and leisure. In the early planning stages, Langford said the idea was to simply clear a small ield, put a fence around it and add some dog stations.

But when the Bailey Education Foundation donated eight acres just east of McCarty Park, the potential for the dog park increased.

Four acres are being cleared for crews to add two sections: one for small dogs and another for large. The project has been in Phase 1, which includes setting up infrastructure and removing trees, a not-so-easy task due to the terrain.

“I wanted to keep as many trees as I could in there, but with being in a wetland and having no wind going through there, it became a microwave,” Langford said. “We had to clear it all ... and then we’re going to come back and place some trees and fencing and so forth.”

City oicials hope to have the park open by summer.

Also in the works is Festival

The city of Owasso is in the beginning stages of building its irst public dog park on eight acres of donated land just east of McCarty Park. Oicials expect to have the dog park open by summertime. COURTESY

Park, which is intended to be a gathering area that can be used as a location for farmers’ markets, concerts and other events.

“We needed a local place for a versatile gathering area,” Langford said. “I view it as a Guthrie Green but on our scale here in Owasso.”

Located directly south of the police station near First and Main streets in downtown, the park will be utilized for a variety of events and will feature a “great lawn” for concerts, hookups for food trucks and a pavilion for markets and craft fairs.

The park still is in the design phase and likely won’t be ready until next year. The land it will be situated on is an open green space about the size of a football ield.

Langford said he is especially excited for the upcoming additions being implemented at Owasso Sports Park North, located on East 116th Street North between 97th East Avenue and Garnett Road.

The gravel parking area at

Owasso

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A newly renovated splash pad in Owasso opened to the public on July 1.

OWASSO REPORTER FILE

About Owasso Population: 34,542, 13th most populous city in state * Population change since 2010: +19.5 percent * Median annual income: $65,881 ** Median home price (owner-occupied): $151,200 ** Unemployment rate: 4.6 percent ** Source: U.S. Census Bureau * July 1, 2015 Population Estimates ** 2011-2015 American Community Survey 5-year estimates

the park, which has facilities for softball, baseball and soccer, will be replaced with a sorely needed modern parking lot. A 5K Heart Healthy Trail also will be placed around the sports park.

City leaders envision the trail as a safe, alternative location to host the numerous 5K races that typically take place on roadways.

These races, Langford said, add pressure to Owasso’s police and ire departments, which lack the capacity to properly staf the events.

“What we’re trying to do is alleviate that by actually creating an avenue so that people can do

Fast facts: Just east of Owasso in Rogers County is Stone Canyon, which, at more than 3,000 acres, is among the region’s largest devel-

a 5K run within a controlled environment,” he said. “It will be an open trail for normal times, but then we will actually have opportunities to host runs at our sports park.”

There also will be a splash park equipped with an elevated splash pad with slides and other features. The city recently inished expanding its splash pad at Rayola Park, but Langford

opments. Owasso Public Schools’ baseball and band programs routinely rank among the best in the country.

Well-known resident: Country music superstar Garth Brooks owns a ranch east of the city.

Shopping: The city ofers a variety of shopping and eating choices for a community its size, with people congregating at Smith-Farm Marketplace, Owasso Market and Tyann Plaza. About two-thirds of every dollar spent in the city comes from nonresidents.

Contact information: City Hall, 918376-1500, cityofowasso.com

said the splash park at the sports facilities will be signiicantly larger.

The renovations at the Owasso Sports Park are expected to be complete by the start of summer.

Kyle Hinchey 918-581-8451 kyle.hinchey@tulsaworld.com Twitter: @kylehinchey

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SAND SPRINGS Sand Springs boasts recreational amenities About Sand Springs

Outdoor options, proximity to Tulsa and low home prices among city’s best assets

Population: 19,783, 24th most populous city in state * Population change since 2010: +4.6 percent * Median household income: $51,067 ** Median home price (owneroccupied): $118,100 ** Unemployment rate: 5.2 percent **

By Paighten Harkins Tulsa World

SAND SPRINGS — Ask Sand Springs Mayor Mike Burdge why someone should move to the city, and he’ll spout of a laundry list of reasons: The city has biking and running trails that stretch for miles. It’s 20 minutes from two lakes, and one can go ishing just a short walk from downtown. They also have low home prices and a good school system.

All they’re missing? More people to take advantage of it, Burdge said.

One of the city’s hallmarks is its vicinity to recreation.

Their trail system feeds into the Tulsa trails system, and the city is working to connect and revamp its current trails, Burdge said.

Plus, those who live in the city are just 20 minutes away from both Keystone and Skiatook lakes.

“So we have recreation just about any direction you want to go,” Burdge said.

Other notable outdoor attractions are the Keystone Ancient Forest, which includes 300-yearold post oak trees and 500-yearold cedars among its hiking trails, and the “best baseball facilities around” at River City Park on the north bank of the Arkansas River.

To buy a home in Sand Springs, you’ll need less money than you might in other Tulsa suburbs, such as Jenks or Owasso.

The median housing value in

Source: U.S. Census Bureau * July 1, 2015 Population Estimates ** 2011-2015 American Community Survey 5-year estimates

Participants start the race during Tulsa’s Great Raft Race on the Arkansas River in Sand Springs on Sept. 5, 2016.

JESSIE WARDARSKI/Tulsa World file

Sand Springs is $118,100, according to the 2011-2015 American Community Survey 5-year Estimates.

In Owasso, the median housing value is $151,200. In Jenks it’s $187,700, according to the same estimates.

While you can buy cheaper homes in Sapulpa, which has a $103,400 median housing value, and similarly priced homes in Glenpool, where the median housing value is $124,700, both are located about twice the distance from downtown Tulsa.

“It’s the best bang for your dollar,” Burdge said.

While the city’s closeness to downtown Tulsa’s restaurants and concert venues is a draw, Burdge said it’s kind of a Catch-22, because it sways developers from coming into the city.

That’s something oicials are trying to combat by ofering “lucrative” deals to restaurants to move in. For those who’ve taken the chance, like the IHOP and RibCrib BBQ and Grill, it’s paid of, Burdge said.

Burdge also noted the city’s pub-

lic school system, particularly its athletics. This year, its high school football team made the state playofs, both girls and boys basketball are looking good and the school has a four-time state champion in cross country.

They also have one of the best school districts in the metro-area, Burdge said.

Largest employers: Sand Springs Public Schools (819) Webco Industry (575) Fast fact: In October 2016, Sand Springs City Council approved a 10-acre facility near the OmniTRAX facility for a new public safety facility, and land adjacent to that facility is available for retail development. A Wal-Mart, Rib Crib, Charlie’s Chicken and QuikTrip sit just north of the area.

History: Oilman Charles Page founded the city in 1911.

He built the still-standing power plant in the same year.

Contact information: Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce, 918-245-3221

Sand Springs TULSA

Paighten Harkins 918-581-8455 paighten.harkins @tulsaworld.com Twitter: @PaightenHarkins

SAPULPA Sapulpa focus on sports complex, education About Sapulpa

By Kyle Hinchey Tulsa World

SAPULPA — As someone who has spent his entire life living in Sapulpa, Vice Mayor Lou Martin Jr. admits he’s a little biased whenever he gets an opportunity to brag on the city.

“Of course, everybody always says their town is a friendly town, but I really think it’s a nice community,” Martin said. “And there’s a lot of potential.”

For one, a number of big businesses are popping up in the city, promising to brings hundreds of jobs to locals. City oicials have been planning for a period of economic growth by attracting distant companies looking to relocate and expand.

But there also has been a considerable focus on Sapulpa’s recreational activities and several other projects, in part due to the recent passing of a sizable city bond issue. Most notably is a massive multisport complex being built on 100 acres in the vicinity of the Wal-Mart near Taft Avenue and Wickham Road.

Mayor Reg Green said the need for such a complex has been tremendous since Sapulpa High School moved some of its athletic facilities to another part of town.

“It left the city short of a complex for all the city’s youth,” Green said.

Upon completion, the new sports complex is expected to be equipped with facilities for baseball, football and other sports that Sapulpa kids can take advantage of outside their school time.

Construction is still in the early stages, and Green said it’s hard to predict what all it will have by the

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Sapulpa

Population: 20,579, 22nd most populous city in state * Population change since 2010: +0.2 percent * Median household income: $39,880 ** Median home price (owneroccupied): $103,400 ** Unemployment rate: 5.4 percent ** Source: U.S. Census Bureau * July 1, 2015 Population Estimates

Kaiden Grisham (left) and Taylor Lissee (right), both 6, read with volunteer Mary Hall, who began last year with Caring Grands, a Creek County Literacy Program, at Holmes Park Elementary School in Sapulpa. CORY YOUNG/Tulsa World First-grader Taylor Lissee, 6, gets a book to read as she reads with Caring Grands, a Creek County Literacy Program, at Holmes Park Elementary School in Sapulpa.

CORY YOUNG/ Tulsa World

time it’s inished.

Also being developed is an improved animal shelter to replace the current one, which Green says has struggled with overcrowding.

“We’ve needed it for a long time,” he said.

Construction for the new shelter has not yet begun, but Green says he hopes for it to be open by the end of the year.

The bond issue also is funding improvements being made to the Sahoma Lake dam and spillway.

Green said all of the projects that are underway will beneit everybody living in the area.

Student education has been a signiicant focal point in Sapulpa, with a variety of programs ofering support to the city’s children.

A school bond issue passed in

2014 sought to make laptops or tablets available to students in addition to the advancement of virtual classroom space.

The Creek County Literacy Program ofers free tutoring to struggling irst- and second-grade readers at 12 county elementary schools, including those in Sapulpa. The tutoring is performed by “Caring Grands” senior-citizen volunteers who meet weekly with their assigned students at the schools.

The goal of the outreach program is to help the children, many of whom do not speak English as a irst language, improve their reading abilities before they reach the third grade.

“Children learn to read the irst three years of their schooling, and then they read to learn from there on out,” said Melissa Struttman, executive director of the Creek County Literacy Program. “Helping these children be successful early in their school life is setting them up to be better students for the rest of their lives.”

Kyle Hinchey 918-581-8451 kyle.hinchey@tulsaworld.com Twitter: @kylehinchey

** 2011-2015 American Community Survey 5-year estimates

Fast facts: Its location just southwest of Tulsa, with access to ive highways, makes it one of the shortest suburban commutes to downtown and central Tulsa. Centrally located Liberty Park is 17 acres of mixed recreation, including the Sapulpa Family Aquatic Center.

Well-known resident: Brian Bingman is serving his third term as President Pro Tempore of the Oklahoma Senate. Before that legislative leadership role, the senator served in the Oklahoma House of Representatives and held the oice of Sapulpa mayor from 1992 to 2004.

Shopping: Sapulpa ofers a mix of big box stores and local merchants. Historic Main Street is dotted with store fronts of small businesses ranging from gift boutiques to services such as photography, salons and oice supplies.

Contact information: City Hall, 425 E. Dewey Ave., 918-224-3040, cityofsapulpa.net

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